COMMENTARY | The ABC News "20 20" special with Diane Sawyer that chronicled the struggle of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords to regain her faculties after a brain injury as the result of a shooting in January was-for the most part-heart-warming and inspirational.

The documentary, which also contained the first public interview with Giffords since the shooting, was ruined by a gratuitous attack on tea party opponents of health care reform and on Sarah Palin toward the end of the one-hour special. A short segment showed Giffords confronting an angry crowd of constituents at a town hall meeting. Palin was shown briefly, as was the infamous cross hairs map.

The segment was shown without context or detail. As Giffords is deservedly a national heroine because of how far she has recovered, the segment gave the clear impression of tea partiers as an angry mob and Sarah Palin as the cause of the shooting.

ABC News and Sawyer committed journalistic malpractice by dredging up the old accusations without also showing evidence that debunked them. Palin and her map had nothing to do with Giffords' shooting, as was implied in the segment. Jared Loughner, Giffords' assailant, was an insane man who likely never heard of Palin and certainly was unaware of the cross hairs map. Yet ABC chose not to mention this.

Every month I get proof that I was right to leave the Seattle area this year.

And every day I get proof that I was right to remove Television from my home in the mid-1990’s. I’m not right about everything. Far from it. But sometimes I hit home runs. And the TV one was a grand slam.

Was sitting here thinking about Free Republic and how it has contributed to sanity in this nation. consider the TVs that are still functional not having been shot, the walls without holes punched in them, the many small children who have not yet learned profanities. This is all due to Jim and Free Republic lending us a megaphone to shout our frustrations at the world. So get off your wallets people, put your money where your mouth is and help us pay for that megaphone. our sanity depends on this.
Respectfully
W.W.SMITH

The segment was shown without context or detail. As Giffords is deservedly a national heroine because of how far she has recovered...

How does getting shot in the head and managing to recover make you a national "heroine"? Does that mean she would have been less than heroic if she would have died at the scene? Not to disparage what she went through, but she wasn't exactly a soldier who took a bullet in the head defending his squad or a cop taking a bullet while protecting innocents, all she did was be unlucky enough to glance up in time to see some kook pull the trigger.

I don’t plan to watch it but I think the important message is that what happened to Gabby Giffords is something that Americans of ALL political stripes can and should condemn in the strongest possible way. I wish her a continued recovery.

I was mentioning last week that the media’s trying to tie Palin in as being somehow complicit in the mass murder in Arizon was the most inflammatory media smear I’ve witnessed in my lifetime. The non-stop, 24/7 cable-news imagery of juxtaposing footage of Giffords, then shots of blood on the pavement, then the smiling school photo of the dead 9-year-old girl, then old tape footage of Sarah Palin walking to a podium... over and over again, for days. Inflammatory beyond words, and resulting in tens of thousands of death-threats towards Palin and her family.

The juxtaposing of that imagery, constantly repeated, is akin to what you see in old Soviet propaganda films, in which unrelated visuals are tied together to incite. The Arizona incident should truly be regarded as a watershed moment, in regards to the extent the media will go in its attempts to destroy its enemies and promote its socialist agenda.

I didn’t bother watching it last night, I knew somehow they would make it about the tea party and Sarah Palin..ABC has nothing better to do, instead of just showing this woman’s progress, how far she has come after being almost killed, NO, they make it all about politics. Not a surprise, they hate Sarah Palin and they hate the tea party. I guess if tea party members were to throw rocks at cops and take craps on the street they would like them more.
The shooter was a known leftist, his friends have confirmed that, but the media turned a blind eye to it because after all, can’t condemn one of their own right, so instead they turn around and blame some map that meant NOTHING to the shooter. He was stalking Giffords since 2007, he was infatuated with her..
Oh and one more thing, if Giffords was so nervous after that map was released, how come she didnt have security at her event, not ONE security guard..you would think that if someone were nervous about the atmosphere around that time they would have bothered having one guard with a gun

Sawyer's gratuitous reference to the "crosshairs"--which both Dems and Republicans have used--was offensive and totally unnecessary to the story!

Competition among politicians of both Parties results in identifying "target" areas for campaigning (there, another threatening word comes into play) (sarcasm).

Sawyer's world view and mindset undermined what was, otherwise, an interesting and sympathetic story of a human being who is overcoming great odds in battling brain injury. All who have dealt with a family member suffering from such injury, whether by accident, stroke, or other disease can identify with such a remarkable story.

Sawyer's tone deafness in bringing Palin and the liberal interpretation of a mere semantic term and drawying is indicative of the so-called "progressive" mindset, including that of the current President and members of his "progressive" Senate and House members who go out of their way to insult ordinary Americans who subscribe to ideas different than their own.

Sawyer's gratuitous reference to the "crosshairs"--which both Dems and Republicans have used--was offensive and totally unnecessary to the story!

Competition among politicians of both Parties results in identifying "target" areas for campaigning (there, another threatening word comes into play) (sarcasm).

Well if Sarah really isn't going to run this year, she might as well do something useful and sue the socks off of everyone who promoted the calumny about tea party / Palin association with the murderer.

Actual malice should be easy to prove. Because journalists actually are malicious.

To bring this woman back to the limelight with respect to her struggle for recovery is understandable. However, this woman WAS a Democrat and still IS. She clearly cannot function as an Elected Representative now - likely never could; she should be replaced immediately.

For anyone to think she can regain her faculties is beyond hope. She will only end up a shill whose husband or another Democratic operative will ‘speak’ for her.

How does getting shot in the head and managing to recover make you a national "heroine"?

Simple.

A. A fundamental appeal to emotion in order to garner ratings, i.e. The chick is propped up (Made for TV heroine) for money.

B. The chick is an elected female DEMOCRAT. The chick's relevancy needs to be propped up in the press in order to maintain power.

C. The chick is an abortion proponent and a huge advocate for the acceptance of parafilia by consensual humans. By default, any politician who is for getting the genitals off in crude fashion and killing an unborn human being for convenience is labeled a hero/heroine (In the chick's, who represents a district in Arizona, case).

Call me insensitive if you must, especially if you are under the influence of this perverted PC culture, but calling me liar will brand you as a ignoramus.

Agreed. I saw part of the interview this morning. Giffords will never recover sufficiently to return to her previous elected job, and without a miracle, I doubt that she will ever be able to do anything beyond manual work. It is sad, but she is lucky to be alive, and seems relatively happy, although she does seem to be a bit frustrated by what appears to be aphasia.

34
posted on 11/15/2011 11:58:57 AM PST
by trisham
(Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkis.)

“As Giffords is deservedly a national heroine because of how far she has recovered,”

WHAT??????? Our troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with traumatic brain injuries and lost limbs are national heroes.

What did this liberal woman do? Gave a speech, and got shot by a nut case. I'm sorry she got shot, just one of 66,768 every year in the U.S. I am just as sorry for all those folks as well, not more sorry for her. Why are we making her a martyr? Why is the media pretending that she will totally recover? So she can run for president in the future? I think so. She deserves it, she was shot.

Keep your arrows in your quivers. I'm just stating the unpopular truth. I really don't care what you think, I know I'm right.

35
posted on 11/15/2011 12:00:06 PM PST
by faucetman
(Just the facts ma'am, just the facts)

Yep. Tv out the door in about 2002. No internet until 07. Computer is light years ahead of the ‘vast wasteland’ Tv. Look up what you want newswise, read different sides and then decide. You only propagate the nonsense watching tv, and also cause our Republican friends to become puppets in the process.

Truth is meaningless when power is your only goal. What do you call a Leftist in search of truth? A future conservative patriot. Churchill famously observed that if you are’nt a lib when you are young you don’t have a heart, but if you don’t move into a more conservative point of view as you age you DON’T HAVE A BRAIN.

If I recall correctly, there's a time certain that a special election has to be held after a member of Congress is unable to return to work representing the constituents in his/her district for an undefined and never-ending length of time.

Of course, the Constitution, laws, rules and regulations don't apply to either the current president or any Dems holding office.....nor to Madame Giffords, the almost-Jeanne d'Arc of the Left.

*ANDERSON, RICHARD A. Rank and organization: Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 24 August 1969. Entered service at: Houston, Tex. Born: 16 April 1948, Washington, D.C. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an assistant team leader with Company E, in connection with combat operations against an armed enemy. While conducting a patrol during the early morning hours L/Cpl. Anderson's reconnaissance team came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons and machine gun fire from a numerically superior and well concealed enemy force. Although painfully wounded in both legs and knocked to the ground during the initial moments of the fierce fire fight, L/Cpl. Anderson assumed a prone position and continued to deliver intense suppressive fire in an attempt to repulse the attackers. Moments later he was wounded a second time by an enemy soldier who had approached to within 8 feet of the team's position. Undaunted, he continued to pour a relentless stream of fire at the assaulting unit, even while a companion was treating his leg wounds. Observing an enemy grenade land between himself and the other marine, L/Cpl. Anderson immediately rolled over and covered the lethal weapon with his body, absorbing the full effects of the detonation. By his indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, L/Cpl. Anderson was instrumental in saving several marines from serious injury or possible death. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

ANDERSON, WEBSTER Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, Battery A, 2d Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 101st Airborne Infantry Division (Airmobile). Place and date: Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam, 15 October 1967. Entered service at: Winnsboro, S.C. Born: 15 July 1933, Winnsboro, S.C. Citation: Sfc. Anderson (then S/Sgt.), distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as chief of section in Battery A, against a hostile force. During the early morning hours Battery A's defensive position was attacked by a determined North Vietnamese Army infantry unit supported by heavy mortar, recoilless rifle, rocket propelled grenade and automatic weapon fire. The initial enemy onslaught breached the battery defensive perimeter. Sfc. Anderson, with complete disregard for his personal safety, mounted the exposed parapet of his howitzer position and became the mainstay of the defense of the battery position. Sfc. Anderson directed devastating direct howitzer fire on the assaulting enemy while providing rifle and grenade defensive fire against enemy soldiers attempting to overrun his gun section position. While protecting his crew and directing their fire against the enemy from his exposed position, 2 enemy grenades exploded at his feet knocking him down and severely wounding him in the legs. Despite the excruciating pain and though not able to stand, Sfc. Anderson valorously propped himself on the parapet and continued to direct howitzer fire upon the closing enemy and to encourage his men to fight on. Seeing an enemy grenade land within the gun pit near a wounded member of his gun crew, Sfc. Anderson heedless of his own safety, seized the grenade and attempted to throw it over the parapet to save his men. As the grenade was thrown from the position it exploded and Sfc. Anderson was again grievously wounded. Although only partially conscious and severely wounded, Sfc. Anderson refused medical evacuation and continued to encourage his men in the defense of the position. Sfc. Anderson by his inspirational leadership, professionalism, devotion to duty and complete disregard for his welfare was able to maintain the defense of his section position and to defeat a determined attack. Sfc. Anderson's gallantry and extraordinary heroism at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

*ASHLEY, EUGENE, JR. Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Place and date: Near Lang Vei, Republic of Vietnam, 6th and 7th February 1968. Entered service at: New York, N.Y. Born: 12 October 1931, Wilmington, N.C. Citation: Sfc. Ashley, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Detachment A-101, Company C. Sfc. Ashley was the senior special forces Advisor of a hastily organized assault force whose mission was to rescue entrapped U.S. special forces advisors at Camp Lang Vei. During the initial attack on the special forces camp by North Vietnamese army forces, Sfc. Ashley supported the camp with high explosive and illumination mortar rounds. When communications were lost with the main camp, he assumed the additional responsibility of directing air strikes and artillery support. Sfc. Ashley organized and equipped a small assault force composed of local friendly personnel. During the ensuing battle, Sfc. Ashley led a total of 5 vigorous assaults against the enemy, continuously exposing himself to a voluminous hail of enemy grenades, machine gun and automatic weapons fire. Throughout these assaults, he was plagued by numerous booby-trapped satchel charges in all bunkers on his avenue of approach. During his fifth and final assault, he adjusted air strikes nearly on top of his assault element, forcing the enemy to withdraw and resulting in friendly control of the summit of the hill. While exposing himself to intense enemy fire, he was seriously wounded by machine gun fire but continued his mission without regard for his personal safety. After the fifth assault he lost consciousness and was carried from the summit by his comrades only to suffer a fatal wound when an enemy artillery round landed in the area. Sfc. Ashley displayed extraordinary heroism in risking his life in an attempt to save the lives of his entrapped comrades and commanding officer. His total disregard for his personal safety while exposed to enemy observation and automatic weapons fire was an inspiration to all men committed to the assault. The resolute valor with which he led 5 gallant charges placed critical diversionary pressure on the attacking enemy and his valiant efforts carved a channel in the overpowering enemy forces and weapons positions through which the survivors of Camp Lang Vei eventually escaped to freedom. Sfc. Ashley's bravery at the cost of his life was in the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

As opposed to Brady, Giffords and numerous other cryers for hire who happened to get shot and are used by the media to push their statist anti-freedom agenda..

* I think you can figure out what the * means.

45
posted on 11/15/2011 4:02:18 PM PST
by from occupied ga
(your own government is your most dangerous enemy)

Giffords was and IS a political hack. You’d think that the atrocity which befell her would have refocused her mind, and that she would no longer be a purveyor of unfair, reckless hatred, but you’d be wrong. Bob

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